What are Football Parking Zones and how are they affecting matchday parking?

Matchday parking has become increasingly challenging for football fans across the UK, with more clubs and councils implementing controlled parking zones (CPZs) around stadiums. These restrictions are designed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and prioritise parking for local residents—but they’re also making it harder and costlier for supporters to find a spot near the ground.

Recent implementations of Football Parking Zones across the UK

Several UK cities have introduced new parking measures around football stadiums:

• Everton FC's Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium: Liverpool City Council plans to implement a 'Football Match Parking Zone' around the new 52,888-seater stadium, similar to existing measures at Goodison Park and Anfield. This zone will encompass areas within a 30-minute walk of the stadium, including the Ten Streets district and parts of the city centre. Measures include new resident parking areas, taxi ranks, matchday bus stands, and adjusted operating hours for existing parking zones. 
• Norwich City FC: New parking restrictions near Geoffrey Watling Way, a popular spot for fans, have been introduced despite objections from residents. The council has implemented timed parking bays and a designated loading bay to manage matchday traffic.
• Glasgow's Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium: Plans are underway to implement event day parking zones around these stadiums to address parking issues affecting local residents. These measures aim to control problematic parking on matchdays.

How will this impact fans?

For many supporters, these zones mean fewer parking options and increased reliance on public transport. Those who drive must either park further away and walk or book a space in advance at a private car park, often at a premium price. In some cases, unofficial parking options—such as local businesses renting out spaces—have emerged to meet demand.

These parking zones often result in increased costs, with fans may need to pay higher fees for official parking or risk fines for parking in restricted areas. For instance, parking for non-residents during additional matchday controls near Emirates Stadium can cost £13.60 per hour, with additional surcharges based on vehicle emissions. 

Fans might also expect longer walks to the grounds if they have to park further from the stadium.

Exploring other parking options on matchdays

To avoid the frustration of matchday parking, fans can consider:

• Pre-booking parking: Services like JustPark allow fans to reserve spaces in advance near stadiums, often at more affordable rates than official stadium parking. You can also make use of private spaces in driveways and local businesses around the area, with the ability to compare prices and adjust which timing you’ll need in the app. This also means that local residents get a kickback from the surge of traffic coming into the area, giving back to the community.
• Using park & ride services: Many cities provide park & ride facilities to ease congestion.
• Exploring public transport options: Trains, buses, and even cycling can offer a hassle-free way to the ground. This is especially wise if you plan on visiting the pub with friends or family after the match — it’s always better to leave the car at home if any drinks are planned.
• Carpooling: Sharing a ride with fellow fans can cut costs and reduce traffic.

The future of matchday parking

With sustainability and congestion concerns growing, more clubs and councils may extend parking restrictions. This could lead to an increased focus on sustainable travel, enhanced public transport links, and better planning tools for drivers.

For now, the best approach for fans is to plan ahead, check parking restrictions before setting off, and explore alternative transport options to ensure a smooth matchday experience.

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